What can I say? It’s a miracle! But this is a product of hardwork, commitment, patience, and discipline!

After a warm-up and the usual stretching, I met the “Hardcore Group” who planned to have a “fun run” (not as “bandits”) at the pre-designated place and we wished each other good luck. And we some photo-ops as Jonel aka Bugobugo85 was the overall planner of this event. Jonel aka Bugobugo85, Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner, Jerry aka High Altitude, Philip aka Foreign Runner, Jay aka Prometheus Cometh, Lester, George, and Nico were there.

The Hardcore Group turned their backs at the camera before the start but they earned their PR times and 42K Finisher’s Medal. These guys are really “funny & crazy”!

The race started at 4:27 AM and we joined the other Finalists for this MILO Nationas 42K. I had a brief “pep talk” to the runners of Team Bald Runner to include the defending champion, Cris Sabal, minutes before the start of the race. As the street was still dark, I just maintained my easy pace which I practiced on the oval track of about 5:30 mins/km and maintained such pace up to the finish line.

At Lawton Avenue going to Bayani Road…

The whole marathon was just an easy run for me without much pain with my leg muscles. I could not believe that I did not have any trouble along the way. I decided to run the race as light as possible—I did not bring my Nathan Water Belt; I used my NIKE Lunaracer with lightest socks that I have; and my first time to use my new “customized” Oakley glasses which I ordered from my family in California. For the first ten kilometers, I drank my water from the water stations and those hydration gave me the much needed water at the start of the race. Once I entered The Fort, my support staff was already there ready to give me bottled water and Gatorade drinks I needed. After coming from the Heritage Park and about to reach Lawton Avenue on my way back to the Finish, I asked my staff to hand me the oatmeal that instructed them to prepare. I ate the oatmeal on a styro cup, while running, and that gave me my much-needed source of energy for the last 11-12 kilometers!

Philip aka Foreign Runner was the 1st member of the Hardcore Group to reach the Finish Line!

Jerry aka High Altitude got also a sub-4 hr PR finish time on this MILO Marathon, his 2nd Marathon race!

Jonel aka Bugobugo85 and George of the Hardcore Group along Bayani Road. They got also their PR.

This guy was tailing me from The Fort up to Roxas Blvd but he was not able to overtake me up to the finish line. He had all those motorcycle escorts and cameraman beside and infront of him. He must be a VIP of MILO Philippines.

As I reached Roxas Blvd from Buendia Ave, my GF 302 registered a time of 3:20+ hours and Capt Espejo was there telling me that I could finish in sub-4 hours as the distance was only 4+ kilometers to the finish line. I just maintained my pace, reminding myself to run “on a straight line”; to be “light” on my midfoot strike; and stay relaxed. And these are the things that we are telling to our students in our speed training for the past two weeks!

Finally, the finish line was there! The digital clock at the Finish Line registered a time of 3:48:30 hrs but my GF 305 registered an additional time of 2 seconds. Later, I found out that I had an average pace of 5:29 mins/km for the whole race with a distance of 42.1 Kms.

Two months ago, the “Hardcore Group” came up with the idea to run the 32nd National MILO Marathon Finals as “bandits” as a way of redeeming themselves for not being able to attain their respective goals during the Metro Manila MILO Elimination Race last August 2008. Some of them did qualify but most of them joined the marathon race to gain experience being their first marathon.

After some exchanges of comments among bloggers, I suggested if there is a way that Mr Rudy Biscocho could accommodate us, the “hardcore group, as “qualifiers” through the efforts of my staff/coaches, we could join the MILO Marathon. After continouos requests to the race organizers, they finally decided to disapprove our request but gave me the privilege to run as a “qualifier”. However, the group had earlier registered themselves to run the 10K race but actually they will be running the 42K race. These runners will be running as “bandits” and this shows how “hardcore and crazy” these people are. I know these “bandits” will be making me as their “target to beat” during the race. Guys, I am sure you will beat me because you are 10-20+ years younger than me!!! However, if I beat you, you have to donate your running shoes for my project! Ha!ha!ha!

This marathon will be my third (3rd) one for this year and my 13th marathon in my running career. I will consider this race as my “specific-endurance test” to find out if my shift to running on the oval track and introduction to speed training have positive results on my marathon performance.

Race strategy? I am going to run an even-pace race of 5:30-6:00 mins/km but if I still have the strength on the last 10K, I might end up having a negative split for the race. The overall goal is to improve my finish time from my San Francisco Marathon and going for a sub-4 hours would be a miracle!!!

After this race, my training will be geared towards my training with the “Hardcore Group” and other marathon finishers for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race on April 5, 2009.

To those who will be running the marathon race tomorrow, Good luck and enjoy the race!!! After the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, I will be doing this…

Yes, President of the “Hardcore Group”!!! Ha!ha!ha! Since I copied this act from Jonel aka Bugobugo85, I will designate him as my “Campaign Manager”. Cast your votes and vote wisely!

Like this:

DelQ was one of my first readers of this blog living in the United States as he happens to be my “kababayan” from the Ilocos Region. He is a native of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, the birthplace of former President Ferdinand Marcos, and migrated in the United States and he is now a US citizen living in Walnut, California. He had his vacation/visit to the Philippines last June and he joined the Araw ng Maynila Half-Marathon and we had a chance to have a brief conversation and photo-ops after the race. On the night of that Sunday, he was scheduled to leave for Los Angeles. I really appreciate his endurance as he was able to insert in his short vacation to run a Half-Marathon. Upon his arrival back to California, we had some exchange of e-mails and he was kind enough to invite me during his running club’s weekend trail runs while I was having my vacation California. But due to my schedule during weekends with my family, my scheduled practice run with him and his group did not push through. Nevertheless, he promised me to help me in my Project Donate A Shoe.

Yesterday noon, Captain Ferdie Espejo informed me that a Balikbayan Box was delivered to our office and the sender is DelQ . I personally supervised the opening of the box and on top of the contents is a letter from him. The following is his letter to me:

October 2008

Hi, BR! Congratulations in your running adventures. I’m still a regular visitor of your blogs and although I don’t leave comments, I really admire your views especially what we all love to do—run!

My apology for not sending the shoes for your project sooner. My running club, Southern California Roadrunners of Walnut, was supportive and donated quite a few of their good “used” shoes. I tried to fit as much as I could in the box. I was able to wash some of them. I also included some new and “not-so-used” shirts.

These “used” shoes will be displayed at the Project Donate A Shoe booth at the Starting/Finish Area of this Sunday’s MILO National Finals Marathon and the Finisher’s T-shirts will be donated to the families of a Gawad Kalinga community.

Thank you very much, DelQ. Please extend my sincerest thanks to the members of the Southern California Roadrunners Club of Walnut, California. I hope we will be able to run together during my next visit in Los Angeles next year.

Gerald Sabal, one of the elite runners of Team Bald Runner, won as the Champion in the the ABS-CBN 101.9 FM “Run For Life” 10K Race at the Global City, The Fort held last Sunday. He was able to beat Rene Herrera, who placed 1st Runner-Up in the said race. Rene Herrera won the Gold Medals in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the Vietnam’s South East Asian Games in 2003 and in the Manila’s South East Asian Games in 2005 and also a medalist in last year’s Bangkok South East Asian Games. Herrera is presently training in Baguio City as part of the RP Athletics Team for the 2009 SEA Games. Sabal registered a finish time of 32:35 minutes.

Gerald Sabal is 23 years old and a native of Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao. He is presently taking up BS Education (Major in Physical Education) at the University of the East. His latest accomplishments were the following: Champion in the 5K & 10K Run at the 2008 New Balance Power Race held in Clark Freeport. His time in 5K was 15:42 minutes. His training is presently being handled by Captain Ferdie Espejo, Jr.

As per request of QuickSilver Runner, who is based in San Diego, California and Finisher in the 2008 Kona Ironman last month, I’ll take this opportunity to give a brief background of the members of Team Bald Runner.

Cresenciano Sabal—29 yers old from Sultan Kudarat and taking up BS Computer Management. He is the defending Champion of the Milo National Marathon; Queen City International Marathon: Pasig River Heritage Marathon; and Clark Freeport International Marathon. His best time in the marathon is 2:21:58 hours; 21K in 1:05:00 hours; and 10K in 31:58 hours.

Jujet de Asis—He is from Koronadal City in Mindanao and 4th Year College. He placed 1st Runner-Up in the 2008 New Balance Power Race 25K Run with a time of 1:24+ hours. He is also a consistent top three placer in 10K to 20K races in Metro Manila.

Bernardo Desamito—33 years old and a native of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. he is in 3rd year college. he is the defending Champion of the 2008 Philippine Marathon; Cebu Sinulog Marathon; 2008 New Balance Power Race 25K Run; 2008 Adidas King of the Road 16K; and 2008 Yakult 16K Race. His best time in marathon is 2:22:44 hours; 21K in 1:08 hrs; 10K in 30:52 mins and 5K in 14:54 mins.

Marecil Maquilan—22 years old and a native of South Cotabato in Mindanao. She is presently taking up BS Education Major in Physical Education. She is the Women’s Champion of the 2008 Adidas King of the Road 16K Run and the 2008 New Balance Power Race 25K Run. Her best time in 10K is 37:58 mins and 5K in 18:52 mins.

Ailene Tolentino—19 years old and a native of Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao. She is 3rd Year in College. She is the defending Champion of the 2008 Queen City International Marathon; Pasig River heritage Marathon; Clark Freeport International Marathon. her best time in marathon is 3:05:37 hours; in 21K is 1:18:58 hrs; in 10K is 37:56 mins; and in 5K is 16:59 mins.

Ellen Tolentino—24 years old and a native of Cagayan de Oro City. She is defending Champion of the 100K The North Face Ultra Trail Race last July 2008.

Reynaldo De Los Reyes—37 years old and a native of Balasan, Iloilo. Champion in Every Nation 10K Race last Saturday and 1st Runner-Up UNICEF 10K Race last Sunday.

Michael Embuedo—25 years old and a native of Bataan. Champion in 20K Walkathon at the National Open TF Championship from 2006 up to the present.

Elmer Sabal—26 years old and a native of Sultan Kudarat. He is the Champion of the 2008 1st Mayon Trail Run. His best time in marathon is 2:28:56 hours and best time in 5K is 15:46 mins

Isidro Villasola—32 years old and a native of Libungan, North Cotabato. Gold Medalist in the 1,500-meter run during the 2007 4th ASEAN Paralympics Game in Bangkok, Thailand and 1st Runner-Up in the The North Face 100K Ultra Trail Run last July 2008.

Saturnino Salazar—47 years old and native of Ivisan, Capiz. National Record Holder of 50K Walk and IAAF Level IV International Coach

Ferdinand Elpidio Espejo Jr.—IAAF Level IV International Coach in Middle, Long Distance & Race Walk; ITU Level II Coach in Triathlon; and UCI Level II Coach in Cycling. His best time in marathon is 2:44:48 hours; 10K in 34:12 mins; and 5K in 16:58 mins.

Team Bald Runner at the 2008 New Balance Power Race. From Left to Right: Ferdie Espejo, Ailene Tolentino, Marecil Maquilan, Bernie Desamito, Ellen Tolentino, Jujet de Asis, Elmer Sabal, Gerald Sabal, Rey de los Reyes, Satur Salazar, & BR (Sid Villasola & Mike Embuedo were in another race in Metro Manila and Cris Sabal was on-training in the mountain trails of Cebu in preparation for the 2008 Milo National Marathon Finals)

After almost 8 hours of restful sleep, I woke up at 4:15 AM and did my pre-race rituals—shave my head and face to remove the hairs that grew during my run to Mt Pinatubo and the rest of the activities to include drinking coffee & Ensure and eating my oatmeal and boiled eggs. At 5:15 AM, I was already at the McKinley Hill Area waiting for Capt Espejo to hand me my racing bib. While doing my warm-up and stretching exercises, I could feel that my legs were still sore because of the ultra run to Mt Pinatubo. Well, as planned, I had to do this run without any race strategy at all. I just wanted to finish the race and make this race as my “active recovery” run.

While waiting for Capt Espejo, Amado The Race Walker, passed by my parked vehicle and Icalled his attention. He was holding a bag with his two pairs of shoes to be donated to my project. He handed to me his shoes and introduced to me his daughter-in-law and two sons. In return, I handed him a “ONE” wristband. (Amado, Thanks for those 2 pairs of running shoes! They are almost new! The recipients will be happy to have them). However, after the race I did not have the chance to have a photo-ops with him. Anyway, I can always see him at the ULTRA Oval Track and have some pictures with him as documentation for the project.

Two runners of Team Bald Runner (Sid & Coach Salazar) were on my side prior to the start of the race.

What impressed me about Coach Rio’s races is his punctuality on the time the race starts. Ten minutes before 6:00 AM, I was already at the starting area looking for the members of the “Hardcore Group” but could hardly saw them around. Instead, I approached and talked to the runners of the Team Bald Runner and instructed them to make good and try to win the race. After a short program, at exactly 6:00AM, the race started and I tried to run faster and race with the faster runners for the 1st kilometer. I just wanted to “jolt” my running muscles after running an ultra run the day before. After leaving the McKinley Hill area, I was on my “comfort speed” and just enjoyed the race. Infront of the Philippine Army Golf Course at Bayani Road, Dindo aka RunMD overtook me and called my attention. I was surprised to see that he gained some weight after not seeing him in the past races. Infront of the AFPSLAI along Bayani Road, Mark Parco greeted me and passed me withhis fast running pace. I just maintained my 4:50-5:00 mins/km pace during the race.

Coach Rio’s races always start on time!

After the Heritage Park and the uphill climb towards Gate 3 of Fort Bonifacio, I was still on my “comfort speed” and I was enjoying my run due to the fact that I did not feel any severe pains on my running legs. After passing the Gate 3, MarkFB ran beside me for about 50-100 meters but I told him to maintain his fast pace (It was a nice way to send him the message to just leave me and go for his PR best time for the race) So, he overtook me and left me with his blistering pace as we reached the uphill portion near the Phil Army Gym and towards Lawton Avenue. From there, I increased my pace for the last 1.5 kilometers to the finish line.

I pressed the stop button of my GF 305 once I passed the Finish Line and I still looked fresh!

My GF 305 registered a finish time of 49:54 minutes with a distance of 10.02 kilometers. After I passed the finish line, MarkFB greeted me and that was the only time that I told him of running the 55K Pinatubo Run a day before the race and he was surprised. I am happy after the race with a sub-50-minute time for the 10K race but I knew I could finish with a faster time if I did not run the 55K ultra run. Later, Mark & Tiffin approached my Project Donate A Shoe booth and Mark told me about his observation that I was running less than my 100% race effort and just like what I told to MarkFB, I told him that I just finished the 55K Pinatubo Run yesterday. MarkP was surprised, too!

Anyway, I awarded a Finisher’s T-shirt for the “1,000-Km Club” to Tiffin after some photo-ops with the personnel of Accenture who ran the race. Congratulations, Tiffin for finishing the distance and for being a member of the “Hardcore Group”. Keep on breaking your PR best time every road race and run faster. I hope you and Mark will join our“speed” training soon.

Tiffin, wife of Mark Parco, was happy to receive her “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-Shirt. Cogratulations, Tiffin for a good job and keep on running some more miles/kms!

It looks like I am the youngest among the winners of the different age group categories!

To my surprise, I was called to the podium to receive my prize as the Champion in my Age Category (50-59 years old). Thanks Coach Rio and UNICEF for the prize and for an outstanding road race. Runners of the Team Bald Runner won 2nd & 3rd Place in the Men’s Overall for the 10K Run.

I was indeed a very fulfilling and memorable weekend for me for having been able to run a distance of 65 kilometers (for Saturday & Sunday) without any injury. I just feel stronger and ready for the Milo Marathon Finals this coming Sunday.

Last Friday, I attended the Team Bald Runner’s Speed Training at ULTRA Oval Track for the first time since it started last Tuesday evening and I met the “student-runners”. Each runner was given a strip of paper which was prepared by Capt Espejo where their respective goal-times were listed for a particular distance from 400 meters up to 5-Km with the proper “personalized” instructions on how to follow the said list/schedules. After their stretching, warm-up and drills, I joined their speed runs around the oval and acted as one of the “timers” for each of their lap runs. I was happy that I was getting postive feedbacks from these runners aside from those who made favorable comments on this blog who joined the said training and those who posted their experience in their respective blogs. I’ll make a separate post on the feedbacks of these runners who are presently undergoing such “speed” training. I had to leave the Oval Track early at 8:30 PM while the runners were still doing their “lap-sets” in order to prepare my things for the forthcoming ultramarathon run the following day.

After three hours of sleep, I woke up, prepared my things, picked-up Capt Espejo and we were on our way to Sta Juliana, Capas, Tarlac from Manila. At 4:30 AM of Saturday, Captain Espejo and I arrived at the Barangay Hall of Sta Juliana and I could see the members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners busy preparing their things for the Run to Mt Pinatubo. Neville Manaois, the leader of the Pinoy Ultra Runners invited me and the “Hardcore Group”/guest runners to join their group in their first run up to the peak of Mt Pinatubo. Jonel aka Bugobugo85, George, Nico and Anne (girlfriend of Nico) were also at the vicinity of the Barangay Hall busy preparing their things and support requirement. Without the knowledge of the host, I contacted my brother who is the Commanding General of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army, at least one week before the event, whose Headquarters is located in Camp O’Donnell (few kilometers to Sta Juliana) to provide me and my runners with vehicle support and security along the way and within the area. I was surprised to see that my brother was at the starting area together with his senior officers and we had a brief conversation and briefing from him and his officers.

Having identified our support vehicle, we started loading our food/water/logistics and getting the necessary instructions on the conduct of the run and information on safety from Neville and we were ready for the start of the 55-Km run (frm Sta Juliana to the peak of Mt Pinatubo and back). Our start was delayed for about 33 minutes but it was okey because it was still dark and the number of runners were minimal. To be exact, we were 32 runners. After departing the Barangay Hall by walking, we ended at the edge of the 1st of the so many river crossing along the route as most of us would not like to have our trail shoes to be soaked with water. The 1st, 2nd, & 3rd group of the Pinoy Ultra Runners were brough to the other side of the river by riding on the 4X4 jeeps and we had time to have our photo-ops while waiting for those jeeps to bring us also to the other side.

The members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners running ahead of our group at the start of the 55K Mt Pinatubo Run

After our group (BR, Bugobugo, George, Capt Espejo, and Nico) reached the other side of the river, we started our run with the Pinoy Ultra Runners having a lead distance of about 100-200 meters away. It was really a very slow run for us and I was the one controlling the pace at 6:30 to 7:30 mins/km for the group. I knew that we have to conserve our energy for us to be able to complete the ultra run without any problems with our body and legs. Without the knowledge of my group, I set a goal of finishing the run in less than 9 hours of actual running, not including those logistic stops, conversations with the officers and men of the Philippine Army, and a brief “picnic” and photo-ops at the peak of Mt Pinatubo. However, I told to the runners of my group that we should be able to be back at Sta Juliana on or before 4:00 PM so that we have more time to travel back to Manila and have a complete rest/sleep before joining the UNICEF 10K Run the following day.

With Jonel aka Bugobugo85 while waiting for the 4 X 4 Jeeps to ferry us across the river

The run at the lahar covered ground was very challenging as our feet would land on loose, hard and sometimes wet lahar. At first, it was a very comfortable run with those lahar filled route and the route we took was the existing jeeps’ route that passes through a vast area covered with lahar up to the “Baseline”—the limit of the vehicles’ route. We ran almost 15 kilometers up to the Baseline for almost two hours. We had to reach a shaded portion of the route before 8:00 AM in order to escape from the intense heat of the sun. At first, it took my group to cross those numerous rivers as we tried to select a narrow portions of the river where we could easily jump over the flow of water. Some of my runners, started to remove their running shoes to save them from being wet and it took so much of our time and delayed us to reach the baseline. Later, we were amazed to experience of wading through the waters and rivers with our shoes on and it gave some frefreshing feeling to our tired feet and legs because the water was a little colder. From here, we dared to cross the rivers and step on submerged rocks and fight the strong currents of the flowing water while we were running/jogging.

Capt Espejo and the Hardcore Group before reaching the Baseline

These rocks were all around us as we followed the river towards the Baseline and peak of Mt Pinatubo.

After two hours of running, we reached the Baseline and we had our Aid Station from the support vehicle which went ahead of us. I brought boiled sweet potatoes (camote), boiled eggs, and boiled bananas as our initial support food. We ate a lot of these solid foods and drank our sports drinks. Boy, we were really hungry and we need to re-charge ourselves for the next 20 kilometers which I expected to be an uphill climb to the crater of the volcano. After almost 45 minutes of eating, drinking and talking to the support personnel and our local hosts for the event, we started to resume our run towards the peak of the volcano.

This is one of the markers that points us to our route along the rocky banks of the river. Take note of the rocks along the way which makes jogging/running more challenging.

From lahar sand, the ground changed into small rocks mixed with lahar and later with big rocks along the way and there were no more road for the jeeps to be followed by the runners. As we moved towards the volcano, we had to walk and jog along the river and banks of the river with big rocks. We had to see and look for “markers” to indicate the way/hiking route towards the mountain. The jogging became brisk walking and later the brisk walking became simply walking along and in between the rocks along the way. As we got nearer, we started to see and meet the members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners going down from the crater of the volcano and they gave us encouraging words and warning us that the crater/peak was already near. Even if our trail shoes were already wet and filled with lahar sands which caused them to be heavier as we jogged and walked, we concentrated and focused to keep one step at a time as we started to walk along a rocky steep trail. It was a relief when we saw a concrete stairs and it was a sign that we were already near our destination. Finally, we saw the crater-lake on the peak of Mt Pinatubo. It was really a breath-taking view which could be an exact copy of the views/scenes seen in movies like “The Lord of the Rings” and resemblance of pictures I’ve seen on the scenery of New Zealand’s mountains ranges. Not contented of just the sight, we went down to the edge of the lake and washed our socks and shoes. Some of the runners with my group experienced a brief plunge on the sulphuric water of the lake. We rested and ate some more food which were brought and carried by Captain Espejo in his backpack. Capt Espejo requested us to finish everything as she wanted his pack to be light on our way back to the Baseline. Washing and soaking my tired feet into the water of Mount Pinatubo was already enough for me and I could feel that I haven’t shaved my head and face for the past days. I thought my hair miraculously grew after soaking some parts of my body to the lake at Mount Pinatubo. That’s a joke!

If you think you are surrounded with mountains as you go up to the peak, yes, these are mountains made of lahar from Mt Pinatubo.

At the edge of the crater-lake at the peak of Mt Pinatubo

While eating and resting at the edge of the lake, I was entertained by the stories of Capt Espejo, Jonel aka Bugobugo, George, Nico, and Anne. These guys are really “kalog”, funny, “cowboy”, witty & smart, strong, dependable, “risk-takers”…in short, these guys are really “hardcore and warrior” runners. We talked a lot of things, about our blogs, about our PR best times, training and running. But we never talked about the other half our of run back to where we started which was another 27-28K run. We talked about our plan to reach the finish line at 4:00PM and immediately go back to Manila for a good night rest and have to see each other again the following day for the UNICEF 10K run. I know already from these plans that I was in a right group—a group of “crazy runners”.

This is the sight one can see at the end of the rocky trail at the crater of Mt Pinatubo. There are still 125 steps of a crude concrete stair from this place to the edge of the lake.

We left the crater-lake at 12 Noon and Bugobugo volunteered to count the number of steps of the stair that leads to the start of the trail from the edge of the lake. He was able to count 125 steps and we were breathing heavily once we reached the top. As we left the crater, we met the last two members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners who just arrived at the area. As we hiked slowly down the rocky trail, we met more trekkers and tourists approaching the peak and almost all of them were asking us how far is the end of the trail in order to reach the crater. We answer them in terms of the number of minutes of walking or the number of meters from the crater and they were glad to hear that they were almost at the crater.

After passing those rocky trail where nobody would dare to jog/run, I started to speed up my pace. Later, I did not notice that I was already jogging and then later running down the rocky slopes of the volcano. It was like doing some “pylometrics” or “speed drills” running on the rocks and rivers while going down to the Baseline. Capt Espejo ran on my side while Bugobugo, George, Nico and Anne were left behind and agreed to wait each other at the Baseline and make it as our last “pit stop”. Capt Espejo and I became faster during our run as we were already familiar where to find the trail and had the courage to cross the river even with the strong current. Due to our fast pace, we were able to pass some members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners. In one hour and half, we were already at the Baseline where our support vehicle was waiting. Being our last “aid station”, we ate our late lunch—rice porridge with chicken (chicken lugaw) and sauteed ampalaya with tofu (guinisang ampalaya with tofu) and lots of Gatorade and Propel drinks.

This picture was taken by Capt Espejo as we approached our 40-Km mark and back to Sta Juliana. We passed in between the mountains on the background as we reached our final destination to the peak of Mt Pinatubo.

After our late lunch with the rest of my group, we started our last leg of our run and we were able to have run or cover a distance of 32 kilometers already. It started to shower and later rain were already falling when we started our run and it was refreshing. The weather was very cooperative as the sky became cloudy before 12Noon and it started to rain early in the afternoon. We ran faster along the jeeps’ tracks and crossed the rivers without any reservations and kept maintaining our pace. At this point, we passed more members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners along the way. When we reached the 44K-45K-mark as registered on my GF 305, I started to slow down while Bugobugo and George kept their constant pace and went ahead of me and Capt Espejo. At Km 47, we had to stop to eat a sandwich and drink water from a support vehicle and started to walk. While doing brisk walking, our support vehicle came at our side and Nico, who rode the vehicle from the Baseline, joined us for our remaining kilometers of the run. Our last “pit stop” gave us the much-needed strength up to the finish line and we continued our run after Nico joined us. The first river we passed was a sight to behold as we knew we were already less than 2 kilometers away from the Barangay Hall. There was no need for our support vehicle to bring us to the other side of the river as our shoes had been wet and dried while running along the route. As we reached the Barangay Hall, the faster members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners were seen fresh as they had their shower/bath and wearing clean clothes already. These runners approached and congratulated us for finishing the run. It was really nice of them to be telling us encouraging words and statements about what we had accomplished. Thanks, guys!

My GF 305 registered a distance of 52.14 kilometers but Neville explained to Bugobugo and Capt Espejo that the readings on the GPS did not consider the actual land distance on the rocky trail along the steep slopes of the volcano. So, basing from the actual land distance measured by the Pinoy Ultra Runners, the course covered a distance of 55 kilometers. Our actual running time was 8:14 + hours and we finished in less than the mandatory 9-hour cut-off time for a 50K Ultra Trail Race.

In behalf of my running group, I would like to extend my thanks to Neville Manaois, the Pinoy Ultra Runners, and to the Officers and Men of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army for an adventurous and memorable Mt Pinatubo run. It was my first visit to the place and my second ultramarathon run in my running career. Our thanks also go to the sponsors, support staff, The North Face personnel, Pocari Sweat, and to our hosts from Tarlac and Pampanga.

And now, the “Hardcore Group” is already asking…”Neville, when will be the next ultra run?”

The following are the 13 rules of marathon running, principles which must be followed if you want to have a great race. These are things your Dad/Mom should have told you about, although if he/she had known you were going to become an avid marathon runner, he/she might have invested in counseling rather than inform you about training and sports-nutrition.

Rule #1—You should treat the marathon as a power race, not just a test of endurance.

Rule #2—If you are running about 35 to 40 miles per week (56 to 64 kms) and want to become a better marathoner, you should not simply add on more mileage.